Olympia TherapyCONNECTIONS NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE
By Cary Hamilton LMHC-S, RPT-S, NCC, CMHS, CDWF
October 30
Teen Anxiety is REAL!
Everyone feels anxious sometimes. Events like a big test, giving a presentation in front of the class, or a big game (among other things) can all create temporary feelings of anxiety. This kind of anxiety is completely normal, and even useful sometimes! Simply stated, anxiety is our brain’s response to a real or perceived threat, and is part of our body’s attempt to keep us safe.
Read more about teen anxiety here.
Clinic Update COVID19
Opening & closing the Clinic is what we are avoiding. We will remain on Telehealth till January.
There is a high demand for services at this time and we are striving to meet the needs of the community.
However, at Olympia Therapy, there is an option that may allow you to be seen sooner!
***** If you are already required to pay a co-pay of $30-$40 per session, you can opt-out of going through insurance and simply choose to Self-Pay at $50 per session with one of our
Liscenced Clinical Associates.
Particularly for children ages 5-17, this option could significantly decrease your wait time!
We ask you to please EMAIL our office at info@olympiatherapy.com for scheduling & communication, as well as questions about billing.
~Get to Know Our Licensed Clinical Associates!~
Reminders for Telehealth Play Therapy Success!
It is REALLY important that we try and uphold the rights of our children when in therapy. Just as you would have expectations for confidentiality, so do children.
Therapy only works if you/they
FEEL SAFE!
It is normal and expected that children will only talk about struggles when parents aren't present, they don't want to hurt your feelings or you to pass judgment on them. So we created this handout to remind you of the guidelines for successful telehealth for adults & children.
Helpful Reads & Links
Self care is not selfish. Learn about the importance of self-care as a parent of a young child during Covid-19 here.
We can't expect normal from our children or teachers right now. Life is not normal.
Pandemic depression and seasonal depression are soon to collide. Having a plan is important.
Has your teenager's mood changed? Read here about signs of depression in your teen and how you as a parent can help.
Playful Wisdom Parenting
Stay tuned for our
Playful Wisdom Foundations Course
that will be launching this Fall.
If you would like to be placed on the waiting list for this new course,
please click here.
If there are topics that you are intersted in learning about. Send us a note. Get 10% off if we choose your topic!
October 21
October is ADHD & SPD Awareness Month
When they all look alike: ADHD, Anxiety, & SPD.
As the parent of a complicated child, you strive to understand the different labels your child is given and how professionals know the difference between those labels. It is a challenging task particularly when many professionals struggle to understand themselves, passing the confusion on to parents.
You can hear from one professional, "oh it’s definitely ADHD, let's medicate," another says "he is just anxious, go to therapy," and yet another says "I'm not sure what we are looking at." It is beyond frustrating!
As a professional and a parent, I can relate. With this article, I’m hoping to provide some information that will help us to focus on the right path. READ ON!
Clinic Update COVID19
Opening & closing the Clinic is what we are avoiding. We will remain on Telehealth till January.
There is a high demand for services at this time and we are striving to meet the needs of the community.
However, at Olympia Therapy, there is an option that may allow you to be seen sooner!
***** If you are already required to pay a co-pay of $30-$40 per session, you can opt-out of going through insurance and simply choose to Self-Pay at $50 per session with one of our
Liscenced Clinical Associates.
Particularly for children ages 5-17, this option could significantly decrease your wait time!
We ask you to please EMAIL our office at info@olympiatherapy.com for scheduling & communication, as well as questions about billing.
~Know our Licensed Clinical Associates!~
October 14
October is ADHD Awareness Month
Could it be ADHD?
Let’s start with some quick facts about ADHD:
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, as defined by the American Psychological Association
ADHD can be diagnosed in children 6+ and adults
There are 3 types of ADHD
ADHD symptoms need to be present in more than one area of life
ADHD is often an underlying factor for anxiety, depression, oppositional behavior, and relationship challenges
ADHD is life-long. Symptoms can be managed, however, there is no “treatment” for ADHD.
Clinic Update COVID19
Opening & closing the Clinic is what we are avoiding. We will remain on Telehealth till January.
There is a high demand for services at this time and we are striving to meet the needs of the community.
However, at Olympia Therapy, there is an option that may allow you to be seen sooner!
***** If you are already required to pay a co-pay of $30-$40 per session, you can opt-out of going through insurance and simply choose to Self-Pay at $50 per session with one of our
Liscenced Clinical Associates.
Particularly for children ages 5-17, this option could significantly decrease your wait time!
We ask you to please EMAIL our office at info@olympiatherapy.com for scheduling & communication, as well as questions about billing.
~Know our Licensed Clinical Associates!~
Helpful Reads & Links
Is Covid-19 getting to you? Here's how to have a meltdown as an adult, the right way.
If your family well-being is declining, your child's bevahior is likely to follow suit. Read more here.
Play can help heal feelings of shame in children.
Playful Wisdom Parenting
Stay tuned for our
Playful Wisdom Foundations Course
that will be launching this Fall.
If you would like to be placed on the waiting list for this new course,
please click here.
If there are topics that you are intersted in learning about. Send us a note. Get 10% off if we choose your topic!
October 9
October is Sensory Processing Awareness Month
The Functional Four: Sensory Secrets and the Senses You Didn't Know You Had.
Our sensory systems are complicated and no one's the same! We have a total of 8 senses (not 5) that work together to support their integration and to ensure our survival in this world. Some have more protective factors while others enhance each other. Our goal is to help you know each sense in more depth so that you may see behaviors as a result of sensory dysfunctions and “neuron traffic jams” versus conscious choices of children. Check out this week's blog where we break down the Functional FOUR here.
Clinic During COVID19
Opening & closing the Clinic is what we are avoiding. For now, we will remain on Telehealth.
There is a high demand for services at this time and we are striving to meet the needs of the community.
However, at Olympia Therapy, there is an option that may allow you to be seen sooner!
***** If you are already required to pay a co-pay of $30-$40 per session, you can opt out of going through insurance and simply choose to Self-Pay at $50 per session with one of our Licenced Clinical Associates. Particularly for children ages 5-17, this option could significantly decrease your wait time!
We ask you to please EMAIL our office at info@olympiatherapy.com for scheduling & communication, as well as questions about billing.
~Meet our Licensed Clinical Associates!~
Ruymán (Rudy) Hernández, MA, LMHCA
Ruymán Hernández is an energetic, engaging therapist who focuses on teens and families. Bicultural and bilingual, he uses elements of play therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in his practice.
Suzanne (Suzie) Black, MA, LMHCA
Suzie is a compassionate therapist who's passion is for the next generation. She has had the privilege of working with school-aged children for the last six years. Suzie views therapy as a vital component of our daily healing processes. She greatly enjoys working alongside children in their journey. Suzie appreciates the uniqueness in every individual and tailors her therapy to each need. She does this by utilizing elements of Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therpy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Psychoeducation, in order to best help children and parents gain empowerment and healing.
Amber Parker, MA.MFT, LMFTA
Amber is a creative, expressive, and inspired therapist who believes it is an honor and privilege to support adults and children in their healing process. She has been working in trauma-focused professions for over 15 years; she believes it is her life's work to guide others on the path to self understanding, self acceptance, and self love. Amber incorports a wide array of concepts and methods into her therapeutic work, including drama therapy, internal family systems, play therapy, somatic therapy, and jungian psychology.
Lisa Brawn, MA.MFT, LMFT
Sometimes we just need someone to talk to; sometimes we need specialized care. Lisa offers unique services that combine standard treatment options with creative interventions - Play Therapy, AUTPlay, and SandTray, etc. Treatment is always tailored to your individual and personal needs.
Lisa works with children aged 3+, teens, adults, & couples/families. Commonly sought services include: mood disorders, trauma, ADHD, domestic violence, communication, self-harm behaviors, divorce, family issues, aging, life transitions, parenting, and reunification.
LGBTQ+, Geek, & Freak Friendly.
(Lisa is in the in-between, she will be able to accept insurance by the new year.)
Playful Wisdom Parenting
Stay tuned for our
Playful Wisdom Foundations Course
that will be launching this Fall.
If you would like to be placed on the waiting list for this new course,
please click here.
If there are topics that you are intersted in learning about. Send us a note. Get 10% off if we choose your topic!
Helpful Reads & Links
Learn how you as a parent help to shape your child's mental health here.